TURKMENISTAN

ETHNIC GROUPS

• Turkmen are the largest ethnic group
• A Turkmen's tribal origins are important to them
• The Uzbeks are the second largest
• A minority is Russian

MAIN RELIGION

• Most Turkmen and Uzbeks are Islamic
• Russians are mostly Christian

CULTURE

• Always completely covered up
• When entering a house, shoes are removed
• Greeting: men shake hands, women hug
• Bad luck to shake hands over a door

CULTURE

• Men pay a kalom to the bride's parents
• If a a girl has two braids she is unmarried
• If a girl has one braid she is married
• Popular sports: horseback riding soccer
• Meat is tasty

CLOTHING

• Men wear fuzzy hats called Telpeks
• Hats are a symbol of pride
• Men also wear red robes over white shirts
• Women wear sack dresses over pants
• Also wear headdresses of silver jewelry

Interesting Fact 1:
The first shopping mall has five floors, a recreation center for kids, cafés, fast food restaurants, a space museum, shops and offices, and a bowling hall

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Fact 2:
After a soviet drilling accident, a decision to burn the gas off causes the hole to continually burn for 42 years.

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Fact 3:
On the second Sunday of August a competition is held to see who can grow the largest melon or pumpkin. They also have musical performances and food. It's called Melon Day.

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